Internet2, Desire2Learn Team Up to Offer Cloud Platform to Schools

Internet2 and Desire2Learn (D2L) have struck an agreement that enables Internet2 member institutions to access NET+ D2L Integrated Learning Platform via Internet2's advanced network. The colleges and universities will be able to use the cloud platform to create "mobile tools, webcasting, analytics, social sharing, collaboration tools and more," according to a prepared statement.

Internet2 is a computer networking consortium. The non-profit organization includes members from higher education, corporations, government agencies, and research and education networks.

"The Internet2 NET+ initiative is about creating and sustaining value for the research and educational community in their collective use of cloud services," explained Shelton Waggener, senior vice president of Internet2, in the statement. "By establishing a unified, integrated portfolio of cloud and trust solutions, blending both commercial services and community offerings, Internet2 makes these available via the advanced Internet2 Network. This allows Internet2 to support our community of researchers, scholars and learners by providing quick and easy access to leading cloud services, such as Desire2Learn's Integrated Learning Platform, using their campus' assigned secure identity credentials via Internet2's Trust and Identity services."

In other news about D2L, 19 institutions have signed on to begin using, or increase their investment in, the company's platform. These institutions include: